Chinese tennis star Zhu Lin's inspiring run at the Ningbo Open concluded Friday with a hard-fought 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 quarterfinal loss to Russia's Diana Shnaider. The 31-year-old, who earlier stunned fans with victories over Emma Raducanu and top seed Mirra Andreeva, initially electrified home crowds by dominating the first set.
Zhu's aggressive baseline play and precise serves initially overwhelmed Shnaider, but the 21-year-old Russian regrouped strategically. 'I knew I needed to disrupt her rhythm,' Shnaider later told reporters. The momentum shifted as the match progressed, with the younger player's powerful returns and improved first-serve percentage (68%) proving decisive.
The result marks Zhu's best WTA Tour performance since April, demonstrating renewed form ahead of the Guangzhou Open. Tennis analysts note her improved net play could prove valuable in upcoming tournaments. Shnaider advances to face compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova, setting up an all-Russian semifinal clash.
